Gram Sabhas across various regions of Tamil Nadu, have raised objections to the proposed construction of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) and impending hydrocarbon exploration. The apprehensions are rooted in potential detriments these projects may bring to their respective regions.
INO’s Location: A point of Contention
The INO is slated for construction in the Bodi West Hills located in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This site is close to Mathikettan Shola National Park and lies within the riverine vicinity of the Vaigai river, sparking fears about possible environmental implications.
Economy and Ecology at Risk
Still regaining its footing after the devastating Gaja cyclone, the region’s rural economy is fragile. Critics fear that the INO project could negatively affect the land fertility, impacting not only the agricultural community but also farm laborers and individuals dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Moreover, the large-scale underground construction and controlled explosions necessary for the project are feared to trigger seismic activity in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
Community Exclusion and Environmental Concerns
Villagers claim that they have been neglected from the decision-making process, further fueling the discontent. Concerns include fears around radiation exposure, structural damage to the mountains, and the potential release of hazardous chemicals.
Environmental Clearance: A Ray of Hope?
Despite the numerous objections, the project secured environmental clearance after review of the geotechnical investigation report. The report assures that the operation of INO will not involve the release of radioactive or toxic substances. National Green Tribunal upheld this clearance in 2019, although it stipulated that the project could not proceed till approval from the National Board of Wildlife was acquired.
Gram Sabha: A Constitutional Entity
The constitution defines Gram Sabha under Article 243(b) as a fundamental, permanent body within the Panchayati Raj system. Its authority includes the power to annul its own decisions. Comprising local residents above 18 years old and listed in the village-level Panchayat electoral rolls, the Gram Sabha is an integral part of local governance.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of INO | Bodi West Hills, Theni district, Tamil Nadu |
| Environment Clearance granted by | National Green Tribunal (NGT) |
| INO Operation | No release of radioactive or toxic substances |
INO’s Objective and Mechanisms
INO’s objective is to establish a state-of-the-art underground laboratory for basic neutrino research, concentrating specifically on the study of atmospheric neutrinos. Solar neutrinos will not be studied as their energy levels are below the detectable range of the observatory’s instruments. This scientific endeavor will be a collective effort by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Department of Atomic Energy, and the Department of Science and Technology. It is worth noting that although located in a strategic location, INO will not have any defense applications and should not be considered a weapons laboratory.
